Hitches are not one size fits all, and when towing heavy loads, it is important to use the correct hitch or you could risk damaging your truck and equipment. Heavier loads such as tow-behind RVs or horse trailers require a heavy-duty hitch. Gooseneck or fifth wheel hitches, for example, are designed to mount in the bed of your truck and allow you to tow larger loads than you could with a standard hitch that mounts under your bumper. If you are in the Brooklyn, Bronx, or Queens, NY, area and you’re not sure which hitch is right for you, the expert team at Hitch King is here to help
Gooseneck Hitch
A gooseneck hitch is a metal plate that mounts on or under the bed of your truck box and uses a ball and coupler for its vehicle-to-trailer connection. These hitches are popular because the types of trailers they pull are able to make tighter turns than the trailers that connect off the back of the towing vehicle. They are typically used when hauling horse trailers.
Fifth Wheel Hitch
A fifth wheel hitch is made by bolting two steel rails to your truck bed and then mounting an adjustable hitch onto them. The hitch itself has jaws that lock around a king pin that points downward from the trailer’s tow plate. It works similarly to the connection between a semi truck and its trailer. They are very popular for towing RVs and campers because passengers are allowed to ride in trailers pulled by fifth wheel hitches.
Considerations When Selecting a Hitch
To know which hitch to have installed your vehicle, you need to consider your truck’s towing capacity. You will need a 3/4-ton, 1-ton, or larger full-size pickup to safely use either a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. Another thing to consider is the trailer you are planning to pull. What type of coupler does it have and what is the weight of the trailer both on its own and fully loaded?
There are several other factors to consider when choosing a hitch and having it installed. Let your friends at Hitch King help you weigh the pros and cons and work with you to decide on the hitch that meets your needs. Contact us today at (718) 353-6078 with any questions or to receive a free quote on custom hitch installations, or fill out our easy online quote form.
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